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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Subaru Forester?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • considerably more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely lighter
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • marginally more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Subaru Forester is slightly cheaper – starting at 34,700 £ , while the BMW 3 Series Saloon costs 39,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,237 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 3 Series Saloon uses 2.4 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 5.7 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers considerably more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 394 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 8.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 3 Series Saloon delivers clearly more torque with 700 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 518 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is barely lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 118 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers marginally more boot space – 508 L compared to 480 L. That’s a difference of about 28 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries marginally more – 495 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 3 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is clearly superior overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 96 - 101 km
details

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Reviews BMW 3 Series Saloon

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
BMW
Brand
Subaru
Is the BMW 3 Series Saloon offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.